Straight bottoms are losing speed by the post! First it was 12-15mph faster now it`s 20mph slower .
I may have to cut in some steps if I can go 110mph with my power.


I kinda see what you`re saying...

You are right spot on with this comment!

I had to chuckle to myself a year ago when I posed the question looking for opinions on new or old rebuilt Bravos vs new with warranty, so many were quick to say never worth the money, never add to value of the boat. I spent less than 3 grand for new over quoted, but maybe not the total, estimated rebuild cost. Mind you no guarantee at all on rebuild. And these are the extra cost Seacore hard anodized finish to boot.

Last fall I had the motors pulled for the normal top end service few weeks back I decided and told my motor guy to take them all the way down, take a look see, put them back with anything they might need. So far new rings, bearings, new and better oil pumps, seals gaskets etc., size the rod big ends if needed, all the best bottom end chit. I was already in it for all new Manley SD valves, Isky springs, Crower SS rockers, new roller lifters, etc. from a guy that accepts nothing less than dead on exact as a result. This is after finding nothing wrong to start with.

So I would assume that my Fountain would not be worth a penny more than another 35 Fountain with worn out drives and some tired old beat to chit 525's just hanging on. Right!

Very good used Perf boats are getting harder to come by these days, fewer are being built, many have been rode hard and put away wet more than once, and it shows. New are just priced out of reach for most of us, so the search is on for the best of the best used out there. Those boats will today, and going forward command, and be worthy of, a premium due to their overall condition. Had a few inquires on mine, threw a number, was told you're a little rich on that Fine! You are free to just go find another. Have a Nice Day!

302 , I confused by your comment on having to trim out a straight bottom in really big water . If the waves are real 2 footers or better i would think you wouldn't have to trim the heck out it to get max speed . At least I don't with my flat deck . I like to run my old tub along side a TS in 3 to 4 footers at 65 to 70 and see what the real difference is . In that kind of water I don't think much of any of the steps would in the water . But i have not driven a stepped boat so I really can't comment . Would be interesting though.
RG.

I may be wrong but I don`t see how stepped bottoms in 3' waves is so much faster. The water is basically the poor mans steps. Hull is aerated either way.
Going from small chop to some decent waves water is like a nitrous shot in my boat, she loves it . lol

Honest question, how much faster is your boat in 3ft waves? Will it run the same speed as the newer boats under these conditions?

Weight to power ratio plays a huge factor and my boat is 16,000lbs on trailer .Boat building methods were old school, none of the newer methods were available . So my boat will always be slower then a newer construction boat . Flat decks are tanks.

Exactly, after 1-1.5 ft chop the steps do zero.... my gun loves neutral trim that's it, with the SSM... in rough water anyway in some big water last summer I was running 60+ and my best bud was doing 18 mph, his boat runs 107, could not keep props hooked up and it was a 35' boat.. so basically when its rough nobody faster likely will not pass ya, all depends what your goals are